Merriam-Webster defines integrity as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. To have integrity is to be upright, trustworthy, and noble among other characteristics. Integrity is of course, important to God and is addressed throughout His word. These are only a few notable scriptures:
(Psalm 24:3-4) ”Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully.”
(Psalm 41:12) ”As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, and set me before Your face forever.”
(Proverbs 10:9) ”He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known.”
(Proverbs 12:22) ”Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.”
(Philippians 4:8) ”Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
The Hebrew midwives in Egypt had integrity. In the book of Exodus, the king of Egypt had commanded the Hebrew midwives to kill any newborn males; however, they feared God more than they feared the king and let the baby boys live. One of the Hebrew boys who was allowed to live was Moses, who would become the leader of Israel. Moses writes, “But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live” (Exodus 1:17).
Bobby Jones had integrity. He was one of the greatest golfers to ever compete, uniquely known for earning the “Grand Slam” of golf winning all four major tournaments in the U.S. and Britain in a single year. Early in his career, in 1925, having reached the final playoff in the U.S. Open, Jones was setting up to strike his ball when his iron accidentally touched the ball and it moved ever so slightly (impermissible in the game of golf). He was annoyed at himself, but turned to the marshals, and called a penalty on himself although no one else saw the infraction. Jones would go on to lose the tournament.
When praised for his honesty, he replied, “You may as well praise a man for not robbing a bank!” He may have lost the tournament, but his character was so commendable that the United States Golf Association (USGA) instituted the Bob Jones Award for sportsmanship, given annually since 1955. The award is the highest honor given by the USGA in recognition of distinguished sportsmanship.
We are faced with decisions all the time and like the midwives, like Bobby Jones — many of them are made when no one is watching, at least no one we can see. GOD IS ALWAYS WATCHING. Let’s determine in our hearts to do the right thing. We may not be rewarded right away and we may never be rewarded by people but ultimately, the Lord will reward us.
Rick Warren has said, “Integrity is built by defeating the temptation to be dishonest.” What a noble character trait to seek.